A perfect blend of Intelligence and Stupidity

Chile is could be consider as outsider or one of the dark horses of the tournament. They played with high-intensity, high-pressure brand of football.

Notable Strength -They will have the capabilities at hand to disrupt the opposition and keep the ball for long periods themselves. and attacking threats anchored with Alexis Sánchez.

Notable Weakness – Defense. That’s the major concern for them. If they stop the flow of goal into their own net , they could be a difficult team to play.

Projected Starting XI

Goalkeeper – Claudio Bravo will be starting between the sticks for Chile

Defenders – Defense is a major concern for Chile , Gary Medel is the anchor of that defense , it will include Mauricio Isla , Gonzalo Jara and Eugenio Mena at the backline.

Midfielders – Arturo Vidal will be crucial for Chile’s success , Mauricio Isla could start at the midfield. You could add Jean Beausejour , Marcelo Díaz , Fabián Orellana and Jorge Valdívia at the midfield mix.

Forwards – Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas will be expected to lead the attacking line for chile. Both could provide headaches to opposing defenders.

Key Player –Arturo Vidal will be crucial for Chile , Probably the most complete midfielder in the world. Exceptional passing is , excellent tackling and ability to read the game is outstanding. His work-rate and athleticism is as impressive as anyone in the game.

Surprise – Well if anyone would be surprise , it could be the opponents of Chile . They can be a dangerous squad to deal with. But then the surprise player could be Jorge Valdívia.

One to Watch – Alexis Sanchez should be the player to watch for Chile , if can carry the team along with Vidal is yet to be answered. One thing is for sure Sanchez could provide headaches for the opposing defenders. Eduardo Vargas should provide a lot of help for the Alexis Sanchez who will be a marked man for Chile.

Young Star – Chile brought a mature squad , But two younger players such as fullback and winger Miiko Albornoz could thrive if he’s given playing time. But Felipe Gutiérrez be more influential if he’s given a chance at the midfield.

Projection

Making it out of the Group Stage should be a good achievement for them. Especially they belong in the group with world cup finalist Netherlands and Champions Spain. If they make it to the round of 16, It would be to the cost of either Spain and Netherlands.

Australia is probably not the favorite to progress in group b with spain , chile and netherlands. But if things gets better for them they can upset any team in the group. During the course of qualification Australia has been criticized for sticking to its old squad. But now they injected some young and emerging talent on the team.

Notable Strength – Australian team are determined, gritty and hardworking. They will disrupt opposition teams through a physical style and direct style of play.

Notable Weakness – Sadly though the team has a lack of talented ballplayers.

Projected Starting XI

Goalkeeper – Mathew Ryan should starting between the post for them. He will have plenty of shots on his goal.And it will require his shot-stopping skills.

Defenders – The Australian now boost with the likes of Ivan Franjić , Matthew Špiranović , Ryan McGowan and Jason Davidson. This defense could expect lots bombardment by attacks of opposing teams, they should get ready to deal it.

Midfielders – If Australia has its strength , It will start from its midfield Mile Jedinak will anchor the midfield along with Mark Milligan and Mark Bresciano . At the wings youngster Tommy Oar and Ben Halloran will help australia to play a direct style of football.

Forwards – Tim Cahill is the undisputed striker for the team. Direct football but he should get plenty of help from youngsters Mathew Leckie and Adam Taggart.

Key Player –Mile Jedinak is the key for Australia , his style of play could be crucial for australia , his anchor role on that midfield could provide some upsets on the opposing teams.

Notable Missing Players – Mark Schwarzer although the veteran goalkeeper has been missing in the national setup for a while. Robbie Kruse could be a crucial part of this team , but injury prevented him in making it to the squad.

Surprise – Australia is not old as they would thought , possible starting keeper Mathew Ryan is just 22 , possible left back Jason Davidson is also 22. While wingers Ben Halloran and Tommy Oar are 21 and 22 respectively.

One to Watch – Mathew Ryan Belgian league’s goalkeeper of the year in his very first season and it will require him to have plenty of shots stop on during the group stages.

Young Star – Matthey Ryan will surely star this world cup , But how many goals could he stop from rampaging Spain , Chile and Netherlands ? . Ben Halloran and Tommy Oar are crucial players and youngsters for the team. While Mathew Leckie and Adam Taggart should be given chance to play upfront.

Projection

Making it out of the Group Stage could be considered as an achievement already . an upset from or a draw from one of the three things could be good. Worst case scenario for them is they lost all of their three games.

Mexico has plenty of attacking but they failed to score goals , until the playoff win against New Zealand. With new coach its not known how Mexico will play a attacking brand of football. Since the core of the team is playing domestically you can expect them to have more cohesion. And playing wide and dribbling to unlock the opposing teams.

Notable Strength – Given the talent of Mexico , they are expected to play attacking football. With the new three center back line lead by Rafael Marquez .

Notable Weakness – Javier Hernández , no he’s not a weakness but a strength for mexico , but given his club form and limited playing time , It will be crucial for mexico to score goals. Given the talent , scoring goals is major concern for mexico.

Projected Starting XI

Goalkeeper- José de Jesús Corona will be expected to start ahead of Guillermo Ochoa

Defender – Mexico will have three man center back anchored with veteran Rafael Márquez , he will be played alongside with Francisco Javier Rodríguez and Héctor Moreno. On the wingback position Paul Aguilar and Miguel Layún. Another possible option on that wingback position is the vastly experienced Andrés Guardado

Midfielder – The mexican midfield will anchored with José Juan Vázquez. Also playing a important role in the midfield is Héctor Herrera who will be played alongside Andrés Guardado. Javier Aquino could provide width on the already width playing mexico.

Forward – El Tri will have Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta on the forward line. But the crucial player is Javier Hernández , can their star man regain his form ? T

Key Player – Javier Hernández is the key player for mexico. Can he poached goals for his side ? for sure he will get plenty of help from Giovani dos Santos if they play alongside.

Notable Missing players – Luis Montes is the most notable name missing in the Mexican team.

Surprise – Not scoring goals . that’s a surprise . despite of having a attack oriented team. they failed to score. Diego Reyes a defender could surprise be surprised package at the defense. But not maybe a surprised inclusion given the raw talent he has. Well there’s no big name player for them , except Javier Hernández. That could be surprise and not surprise as a well.

One to Watch – Hector Herera is classic box-to-box midfielder that has energy and incisive passing.

Young Star – Diego Reyes is the youngest player in this squad but he’s not part on the major rotation on defense for now.

Projection

Given the talent of mexico has , making it to Round 16 could be a good achievement for them. grabbing a point or win is the least they could do.

Croatia is simply has talent , its hard to imagine they got a world cup spot not on qualifying but on a playoff spot. Croatia also brought youth in its current squad with the 6 players just under 23. If they get things going , its going be difficult for other teams to play them.

Notable Strength – The midfield of Croatia could be their major strength. Boosting the midfield are probably La Liga top none Spanish midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Also adding up to the mix is the emerging Mateo Kovačić.

Notable Weakness – Even with the talent of Crotia , its hard to predict whether they will show up that quality and produce the results.

Projected Starting XI

Goalkeeper- Stipe Pletikosa is a favorite to start due to his experience , but this time Danijel Subašić would be starting for Croatia.

Defender – Dejan Lovren has proved himself to be excellent central defender at club level , starting with him at defense will be Vedran Ćorluka. Joining them at defense playing at Right Back and Left Back are the vastly experienced Danijel Pranjić and captain Darijo Srna

Midfielder – Vatreni Midfield will be composed of Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic (Now Barcelona ?) And Inter Milan’s rising star Mateo Kovačić. This midfield could be tough to handle with their technical abilities. Modric should be one of the worlds premier playmakers , while Ivan Rakitic prove himself to very useful at Sevilla’s. While Modric and Rakitic are established names on that Midfield , Kovačić could also ease pressure from both and could be the trump card of the midfield trio. Ognjen Vukojević could also be deployed at defensive midfield. While winger Ivan Perišić could provide width for the team.

Forward – Croatia forward line will be missing Mario Mandžukić , but for one game only. Mandžukić should score goals for Croatia provided its vastly talented or “should be” influential midfield. If Mandžukićfails to deliver , there’s Eduardo and we will see if “telepathic understanding” between him and Luka Modric still exist. Nikica Jelavić seems to be in form in club level. In case they need another big winner on crucial matches , they could give veteran Ivica Olić a chance.

Key Player – Luka Modric Vision, touch, composure and incisiveness which allows him the ability to dictate the pace of the game
, probably Croatia’s best player. He should provide creativity on that midfield. He partnered before with current manager Niko Kovač , now he should play the lead role on that midfield. If Modric and croatia keeps things going , he should be one of the midfield stars in this world cup.

Notable Missing players – vastly experienced Josip Šimunić did miss the squad , even though its been a while since he’s included in the set up .Niko Kranjčar is probably one of the notable names that is missing on the final 23.

Surprise – Mateo Kovačić should be a surprise given his age , but given his talent that wouldn’t be a question. If Croatia makes things work , most probably Kovačić will play a crucial part on it. If Kovačić is not a surprise the surprise would go to Fiorentina’s forward Ante Rebić . Ivan Močinić and Marcelo Brozović will provide youth to team as both are 21 but given Modric , Rakitic and Kovačić on that midfield its very hard them to find playing time.

One to Watch – Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic is the core of the midfield , but Mateo Kovačić is the one to watch for croatia.

Young Star – Croatia brought a young squad with Oliver Zelenika (Goalkeeper) , Right Back Šime Vrsaljko. Midfielders Marcelo Brozović , Ivan Močinić and Mateo Kovačić. And forward Ante Rebić. Ofthe youngsters it seems that Mateo Kovačić will likely to have the biggest impact.

Projection

A Quarter final spot would be a excellent achievement for Croatia . Making it out of group stage is the least that Croatia could do. Not making it to round 16 could be disappointment for Croatia but failing to grab a win or point could be considered a failure.

Notable Strength – Physically imposing team blessed with a strong spine, excellent fitness and pace in abundance. And also a tough opposition when playing in strong heat and humidity

Notable Weakness – Goal scoring could be a problem for Cameroon even though Eto’o is there and defense could also be a problem despite of having in form defenders.

Projected Starting XI

Simply one of the strongest team coming from Africa. A Physically imposing team , excellent fitness and lots of pace.

Goalkeeper- Charles Itandje is expected to start for Cameroon , they also brought local based goalkeeper

Defender – Galatasaray defender Aurélien Chedjou will be starting with Nicolas N’Koulou , Henri Bedimo and also Stéphane Mbia could play out of position at defense. Cameroon will also Schalke 04 center back Joel Matip at their disposal and Queen Park Rangers left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Midfielder – The Indomitable Lions will have a strong and very physically imposing midfield core , starting at Defensive midfielder is Barcelona’s Alex Song together with Jean Makoun , Eyong Enoh . With that midfield Sevilla’s Stéphane Mbia maybe forced to play out of position at defense. Alex Song could also play at defense , but that’s highly unlikely. Landry N’Guémo is also a defensive midfielder that could fill this defensive midfielder dominated midfield of Cameroon

Forward – Cameroon’s forward line will be led by Samuel Eto’o , even though he no longer the destructive and deadly striker that he once was. He can show glimpse of it , and can influence matches. Completing the attack for Cameroon is Pierre Webó and Benjamin Moukandjo. They also have Maxim Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar at their disposal on the forward line.

Key Player – Samuel Eto’o , If there’s one player that could influence cameroon its Eto’o , he’s now more of team player now than before. Alex Song should as the anchor of the team on the midfield.

Notable missing Players – Idriss Carlos Kameni is a notable missing , Defender Benoît Angbwa didn’t make it to the final cut as well as veteran striker Mohammadou Idrissou

Surprise – Fabrice Olinga could be a surprise although 18 year old could prove to be useful for the attack for Cameroon if he’s given a chance.

One to Watch – Nicolas N’Koulou has already attracted european big clubs. Its now up to him to raise his profile more higher during this world cup.

Young Star – Cameroob brough lots of young talents with the team , including forward Fabrice Olinga and winger Edgar Salli , probably Joël Matip could prove his worth more if he breaks into the starting XI

Making it out of the the group stages could be good achievement for Cameroon. Grabbing a win could be the least they could do.

Notable Strength – That Attacking football doesn’t stop at the midfield and attack , Attacking wingback should play a crucial part of brazil.

Notable Weakness – That ball playing midfield could not be the best position for brazil , but that’s not a weakness , after all they got the industrious midfield core. Their potential weakness could be at the center forward role , if Fred fails to deliver goals. Hulk and Neymar should step up the goal scoring for Brazil

Projected Starting XI

Obviously they are one of the world cup favorites. Notable lacking ball playing quality (such as Germany , Spain and Italy)are missing on the midfield but they seems to be okay with it. And “Ronaldo” level of center forward is missing . Neymar should provide goal scoring deficiencies on that attack.

Goalkeeper – Julio Cesar is expected to start for Brazil even though he’s not the number 1 on paper.

Defenders – Probably have the best attacking wingbacks this tournament , with Dani Alves and Marcelo. Thiago Silva is one the worlds best in his position if not the best , he will be partnered along the in-form Dante.David Luiz could be another option for the starting spot at center back instead.

Midfielders – Usually Brazil has the best midfielders , but not in the central midfield, it lacks the ball playing quality with the likes of Spain , Germany and Pirlo (ohh its Italy) , but it will have the Physicality and industry of Paulinho and Luis Gustavo. The creativity will now fall into Oscar , making the midfield tick from the attacking midfield position. Hernanes could fill any positions on that midfield , while Fernandinho is box to box midfielder with excellent passing range that can contribute in defense and the attack. Ramires as well can cover on central midfielder , defensive midfielder or on Right midfield.

Forwards – Who would wear the coveted number 9 for brazil ? previously Ronaldo wore the number 9 thrice ( 1998 France , 2002 South Korea – Japan , 2006 Germany World Cup). Luis Fabiano wore it last World Cup. Usually Brazil produces top notch central forward , but obviously there’s is decline on that position for them. Fred now looks to have made his that central forward his own. And Diego Costa could be perfect for that number 9 forward but he choose to play for Spain and Scolari earlier said he prefer Fred over Diego Costa. Hulk could also provide additional attacking threat and can ease pressure on Neymar who should be Brazil best player during the world cup.

Key Player –Neymar is starting to show into the star many believed he would eventually become. He should lift this team with his electric pace, sublime skill and should pose an almighty headache for opposition defenders.

Notable Missing Players – Ronaldinho was the last of his kind (maybe) was omitted , Another missing former big name footballer missing is Robinho , But they are the thing of the past for brazil. Lucas Moura was also omitted in the final line up. In form Athletico Madrid defenders Miranda and Felipe Luis also failed to make it to the final cut.

Surprise – Bernard is well not a surprised addition (maybe a little bit) but if he will provide pace and energy on that loaded attacking unit of brazil if he is called and he’s the youngest member of the squad. Willian also seems to be in good form to help brazil win the world cup.

One to Watch – Oscar is the man to watch for brazil not Neymar , sure Neymar is the star man for them , but it will be up to Oscar if he could provide key plays on the attacking side of the pitch.

Young Star – Neymar should be the young star of the squad but given his current status of a being a established star , this one goes to Bernard. Bernard is the youngest player for the brazil side. His pace and energy could give Scolari option upfront.

Projection

World Cup Champions , a failure to win the world cup at home could be consider as a failure. Making it to the final is the least.